Identity Verification with Companies House: A Complete Guide

Identity verification is now a pivotal part of the UK’s corporate governance landscape.

Part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, this new provision is designed to make UK company registers more transparent and reliable, combat fraud and ensure only real, traceable individuals hold positions of authority in UK firms.

So, if you hold or plan to hold a UK company, it is worth understanding the process, requirements and practical steps for identity verification that Companies House demands. Be mindful that Identity Verification with Companies House applies to if you’re a company director, Person with Significant Control (PSC), agent or advisor.

Why Does Companies House Require Identity Verification?

With increasing concerns over illicit business activity, from money laundering to shell companies set up with fake identities, the UK government has mandated identity verification with Companies House for nearly everyone involved with registered entities.

The objectives of this reform are:

Preventing criminals from exploiting UK company structures
Improving trust and reliability in public company registers
Holding individuals accountable for corporate actions
Deterring fraud and economic crime

Who Needs to Complete Identity Verification with Companies House?

Identity verification Companies House procedures apply to a wide range of people involved with UK registered entities. These include:

New and existing directors of UK companies (regardless of nationality or where they live)
People with Significant Control (PSCs); these are people who own or control at least 25% of shares/voting rights or can otherwise influence company decisions
Anyone filing documents or acting on behalf of a company at Companies House, including company secretaries and third-party agents
Members and PSCs of Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) and other registrant legal structures covered by the Companies House register

Identity verification with Companies House will become mandatory for all new incorporations and appointments starting in the autumn of 2025. Meanwhile, existing directors and PSCs have a 12-month transition period to comply ending in autumn 2026.

Key Deadlines:

April 8, 2025

Voluntary identity verification for all relevant parties begins.
Autumn 2025

Identity verification become mandatory for new incorporations, appointments and filings.
Autumn 2025 to Autumn 2026

12-month transition window for existing directors and PSCs to complete identity verification processes.

After these dates, no new appointment or filing is permitted without compliance.

How to Complete Identity Verification with Companies House

1. Direct Verification with Companies House

If you’re one of the people who needs to complete identity verification, you can do so online using the Government’s integrated portal:

What You Need

A biometric passport (any nationality), UK photo driving license, UK biometric residence permit/card, or UK Frontier Worker permit. You’ll also need your current address and a unique email address for your GOV.UK One Login.
How It Works

You will be prompted to upload a photo of your ID and a live selfie photo via the browser or mobile app, using facial recognition for likeness-matching.
Alternatives If No Photo ID

Some may verify identity using bank or building society details plus a National Insurance number or may be referred for in-person verification at a Post Office.

2. Verification by an Authorized Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)

If you cannot or do not wish to verify online, you can go through an Authorized Corporate Service Provider who will take on the responsibility of verifying you.

Process

Submit required documents (proof of ID and address, sometimes certified) to the ACSP, who will conduct the identity verification Companies House requires.
ACSPs’ Status

Only those entities regulated for anti-money laundering may act as ACSPs and they must register with Companies House. Identity verification standards remain consistent regardless of the route.
Fees

ACSPs may charge a fee for this service.

3. In-Person at the Post Office

If online and ACSP options aren’t possible, some can complete their identity verification steps at select Post Offices in the UK. Pre-booking may be required though.

What Information Is Required for Identity Verification?

Full legal name, date of birth and current residential address
Valid passport or photo driving license (biometric for those applying online) or other accepted government IDs
Proof of address dated within the last 3 months is also required, especially for non-UK nationals and/or UK residents
Email address for GOV.UK One Login; each individual verifying their identity must use a unique email address
For those verifying via ACSPs, the ACSP will specify what documentation is needed

What Happens After Identity Verification Companies House Is Complete?

Each individual who successfully completes identity verification with Companies House will receive a unique Companies House personal code. This code is an 11-character identifier used to link individuals with roles and is required for company appointments or annual filings. The individual will also receive a confirmation email or digital acknowledgment.

Please note that you need to get your identity verified only once unless your company relationship changes or Companies House requests a re-verification.

Why Is Identity Verification with Companies House So Important?

Completing identity verification with Companies House is more than a compliance task. Here’s why:

It Is a Legal Requirement

Non-compliance will block new appointments, prevent company formation and bar filings. In some cases, companies or individuals may be fined or struck off.
Fraud Prevention

Only real people can found, direct or own UK companies.
Public Protection

Investors, suppliers and the public can trust the Companies House register.

What If You Don’t Comply with Identity Verification Rules?

Failure to comply with identity verification requirements results in:

Refusal or nullification of director or PSC appointment
Bar on filing statutory documents or amending company details
Potential financial penalties or company strike-off
Investigation or reporting to law enforcement in cases of suspected fraud

Companies House will have greater powers to challenge, reject or remove filings and appointments that don’t meet verification thresholds.

Practical Tips to Get Your Identity Verified Smoothly

Get Verified Early
Voluntary identity verification are already open. Do it now and avoid the rush before the deadline.
Check Your Documents
Make sure passports and driving licenses are valid and current. Inconsistent addresses or expired documents can trigger delays or rejections.
Unique Email
Use a unique email address for your GOV.UK One Login.
Keep Your Companies House Personal Code Safe
You'll need it again to take up or change a formal role in a company. Don’t lose it.
Agents or ACSPs
If you’re a non-UK resident or find the online route difficult, use a regulated ACSP for a smoother identity verification Companies House experience.
Stay Aware
Check for official communications from Companies House and be alert for phishing. Complete identity verification steps only via official links or trusted agents.

Conclusion

Whether you’re seeking directorship or control in a company, or are acting as an agent on behalf of a corporation, you must prioritize identity verification compliance to avoid penalties and delays. Start early, keep all verification documentation and your personal code secure and encourage others in your company to do the same.

As Companies House reforms continue to roll out through 2025 and into 2026, staying informed and proactive with identity verification measures will protect your corporate standing, uphold regulatory obligations and contribute to the UK’s fight against economic crime.

FAQs

Who needs to get their identities verified with Companies House?

All current and future UK company directors, PSCs, LLP members and anyone submitting filings must get their identities verified.

What IDs are accepted for identity verification?

A biometric passport (any nationality), a UK photo driving license, a UK biometric residence permit or card and the UK Frontier Worker permit are standard. Other documents may be accepted via ACSPs.

Is identity verification free?

Yes, direct verification via online means is free. ACSPs, however, can charge for their service.

How many times do I have to get my identity verified?

Usually just once. Your personal code is valid until your details change or Companies House requires repeat checks.

What if I’m overseas?

You can use a biometric passport for online ID verification from abroad or use an ACSP in your jurisdiction, as long as the provider is registered with Companies House and follows AML regulations.